Season over for Browns WR Bess

Saturday

Dec 21, 2013 at 7:59 PM

The Associated Press

Davone Bess had a disappointing and shortened first season with the Browns.

The wide receiver was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list Saturday, ending his season with two games left and after he missed practice time this week for "personal reasons." The Browns announced the move with Bess after traveling to New York to play the Jets today. The team gave no further details for Bess' absence or his abrupt end to his season.

The 28-year-old Bess was excused from practice Thursday and Friday by Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski, who said Josh Cooper and Greg Little would likely get most of the snaps at slot receiver, Bess' primary position. Bess also will miss the season finale at Pittsburgh.

The Browns acquired Bess in a draft-day trade from Miami in April, and Cleveland quickly signed the six-year veteran to a three-year, $11.5 million contract extension through 2016. The Browns coveted a sure-handed receiver and expected Bess would be both a playmaker and leader.

However, he leads the NFL with 14 drops while catching42 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns.